Buy a ticket through a travel agent, Amtrak's official 800 reservations line (1-800-USA-RAIL) or Amtrak's website (amtrak.com). Tell the reservations agent you wish to buy seats aboard the Lake Shore Limited. If you are on Amtrak's website, point your browser to "routes" at the top of the page. Click "Lake Shore Limited" and go to the line's home page. There are 14 stations between Chicago and Albany, six between Albany and Boston, and one between Albany and New York City.
Select your seats and what type of accommodations you would like if you are traveling the entire length. It takes over 19 hours for the train to go west to east between Chicago and the Atlantic Ocean, and it is a 22-hour trip to go from the coast to Chicago. Pick the destination at which you wish to stop. If you want to go from Chicago to Sandusky, select your seats at that time. You also can board anywhere along the line and stop anywhere.
Go to your station where the Lake Shore Limited stops. Keep in mind that the travel schedule listed on Amtrak is not always exact. Amtrak train devotees have nicknamed the line "Late for Sure Limited" and the "Late Shore Limited," among other names. Arrive early just in case the train arrives early. Station personnel will advise you if the train is running late or if there are mechanical issues.
Board the Lake Shore Limited and have a good time. The route offers plenty of sightseeing oppotunities, including three of the Great Lakes (Michigan, Erie and Ontario) and several major cities. The train has dining cars where you can buy meals, snacks and beverages. Depending on if you are on the train for the duration, sleeper cars are offered for a little privacy and rest.
Arrive at your destination. Whether you stop along the way in one of the cities along the route or at the end of the line, you have successfully traveled the Lake Shore Limited. If you go as far as Albany, you have the option of taking another train to New York City or continuing on to Boston.
